Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Megan Winsor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Megan, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
As someone who has been pursuing music since I was 14 years old, performing in any venue that would have me, burnout has been a significant challenge in my career. I find immense joy in the music creation process, from writing and producing to performing live. So, when exhaustion sets in, it can be quite disheartening. One of the great things about being an independent artist is the ability to wear multiple hats. When I feel burnt out in one aspect of my artistry, I tend to distract myself with another hat.
To put this into context, I was fortunate to have a busy schedule of shows in the winter and fall of last year. It’s one of my favorite ways to connect with my audience. However, it started feeling like a chore in some cases. That’s when I made the decision to take a break from performing, something I hadn’t done in 10 years. I refocused on the writing and production process, and I’ve been working on recording my new EP. Now, I’m gearing up to return to performing this month. It’s all a bit like riding a rollercoaster; you just need to know when to switch tracks to avoid burnout.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi, my name is Megan Winsor, and I’m an artist, songwriter, and producer. I’ve been writing music since I was about 12 years old and performing since I was 14. What has always drawn me to making music is the ability to connect with others through lyrics and melodies, often on profound levels that I can’t fully comprehend. In January 2022, I released a pop-rock album titled ’11’, which enjoyed some success in the streaming world. Since its release, I’ve had the privilege of performing these songs at various venues in Los Angeles, including Writer’s Block at Hotel Cafe, Employee’s Only, Breakroom 86, and even recording a live version at Abbey Road Studios.
After graduating from USC Thornton School of Music in May 2022, I took a bit of an intermission from the music scene to contemplate my path and desires. During this time, I wrote some of my favorite tunes, initially just for myself, assuming no one else would hear them. However, a few months ago, I decided to share this journey with the world through these songs. I’m thrilled to announce that my next album is in the works, and I hope to share it with all of you very soon. If you’d like a sneak peek, I’m making a comeback from my brief hiatus to perform at We Found New Music at Bar Lubitsch on October 26th. It will be a full band show and promises lots of fun. You can grab your free tickets here: https://bit.ly/46gX9c5
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The music industry is very complex, with many big dreamers, and there are also those who like to take advantage of it. I was fortunate to be introduced to some of the right people right from the start—individuals who taught me to focus on my craft and to educate myself on every aspect of the industry, as well as the fundamentals of running a business. Being an independent artist is essentially like running your own business. This journey began back in high school and continued through college, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry. Throughout most of my career, I’ve been my own manager, publicist, booking agent, and everything in between. It is crucial to know how to avoid scams and be able to distinguish between good and bad business decisions for your artist project and brand. If you’re interested in how to get started as an independent artist, I’ve written a book that covers everything I wish I had known when I started out, available on Amazon here: https://www.meganwinsor.com/my-book.html
Secondly, your friends are your network. I see the music world as one large friend group. Having an ego will only hinder your music career. Be kind, friendly, and enjoy the process. You have no idea who you might meet along the way.
Lastly, just put your art out there! I know it’s intimidating to be perceived by others in a vulnerable light like music, but you never know who will relate to it.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always looking for a cowrite and production collab. I am primarily a songwriter and have written for multiple different projects. I have a ton of songs that need to see the light of day and I would love another set of eyes on them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meganwinsor.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan.winsor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganwinsormusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MeganWinsor
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5DsjKFlEDdkjFSS3L2LTMl
